Vidit Gujrathi Takes a Break from Chess: 'I Don't Consider Myself an Active Player Anymore'

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Mumbai: Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, ranked 29th in the world, has decided to step back from professional chess. At 31, he's still a force to be reckoned with, having become India's 30th grandmaster in 2013. However, after a grueling three-year period of intense training, Gujrathi feels burnt out and has lost his motivation to compete at the highest level. Gujrathi's decision to reduce his playing schedule began towards the end of last year. He skipped several serious events this year, including the World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, opting instead to focus on his personal life. The turning point came during the 2023 Grand Swiss tournament, where he won a spot in the 2024 Candidates in Canada. However, after the tournament, Gujrathi felt drained and questioned whether he wanted to continue with the demanding schedule of professional chess. In his pursuit of excellence, Gujrathi has worked tirelessly, often putting in 14-16 hours a day. He has achieved remarkable success, including winning the gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in 2024 and the online edition in 2020. However, he admits that he struggles with dealing with losses and has often found himself questioning his nerves and emotional control. Despite taking a step back from chess, Gujrathi remains hopeful that his passion for the game will return. He has found solace in coding, specifically developing AI-focused software, and has even created two websites for professional chess players. Gujrathi's long-term goal is to mentor promising talents, using his experience to help them reach the top level. When asked about his potential, Gujrathi expressed a sense of unfinished business, feeling that he still hasn't reached his full potential. However, he is at peace with his decision to take a break, knowing that he has given chess his all and achieved remarkable success. Gujrathi's next tournament is the Tata Steel event in Kolkata in January, but for now, he's taking a well-deserved break from the grind of professional chess.